Dementia In The Elderly

I recently helped a family find a private home care from their mother who was in his mid-80s, living in an assisted living facility for large and dementia, depression and loneliness. Her depression and loneliness came suddenly and she spoke not want to live longer.

Her doctor had told the family that her dementia progresses and she made the suggestion to move to a smaller home care where she would have more one-on-one attention.

During my evaluation of "Mom", I noticed that she was too emotional and confused. The family and I realized it was possible that the drugs may not have been properly controlled or that she would need an adjustment, but I also noted that because of his emotional state and mind at the time of my visit, the family should have a sample of a urinary tract infection and dehydration. I explained that we believe there is a connection to symptoms of dementia or a sudden increase in symptoms of dementia and urinary tract infections. They were surprised at my suggestion, but also relieved that there could be an explanation other than a surge of his dementia.

What is a urinary tract infection (UTI)?

It may be difficult to determine if Alzheimer's or dementia patient has a urinary tract infection because they may not be able to fully verbalize their feelings. They can not understand or be able to express pain, feeling the need to urinate frequently, etc. Infection can cause an imbalance of substances and salts in the blood and reduce the production of a hormone that contributes to the formation of red blood cells. urinary tract infections in elderly people with Alzheimer's disease / dementia can not only profoundly affect their physical health but also seriously impact their behavior as disorganized thinking, disorientation to time and place, apathy or restlessness.

Dr. Rajesh Tamp, director of psychiatry for Masonicare, said the link between dementia and urinary tract infections is not well understood and it must be that people with urinary tract infections are often misdiagnosed as a simple sign of dementia.

A significant difference is that confusion or behavioral changes caused by an infection will occur much faster than the confusion resulting from dementia.

So if an elderly person shows signs of confusion or sudden changes in behavior, it may not be related to their dementia. The key here is to remember that even if an older person has Alzheimer's disease or dementia and with sudden changes in physical, mental or emotional health, it would be advisable to look for a urinary tract infection. With treatment, symptoms should ease and can be quite the opposite.